Building Construction

Instructor: Darren Howell

Building Construction is a two-year course including construction safety, concrete, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, interior and exterior finishing, and cabinetry. Students are exposed to practical and technical skills while working with a large variety of power tools and equipment. In addition to technical trade development, students can improve critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills on individual and team construction projects in both the classroom and lab environment.

Related Occupations

Nature of Work

Construction craftspeople must utilize physical and mental capabilities to develop a working plan, allowing them to visualize and create the desired results. Construction trades require manual dexterity, mechanical aptitude, and site awareness while working in various environmental conditions.

Training & Advancement

With continued educational training, craftspeople may advance to construction foremen or superintendents, building and general contractors, compliance inspectors, or technical professionals.

Job Outlook

Construction workers are employed across a wide range of fields within the construction industry. Residential, commercial, and industrial sectors employ over six million craft workers nationwide. There are also related employment opportunities throughout fields that serve the construction industry. Mills and lumberyards, material suppliers, code enforcement, and product development all require specific knowledge and skills pertaining to building systems.

Earnings

Individual earnings within the construction trades vary by specialty, location, and level of experience. Some of the hourly wages are listed below:

Mason $11.70 – $30.50 Plumber $10.00 – $35.00

Carpenter $10.50 – $30.00 Electrician $12.50 – $35.00

Scope & Sequence

Suggested academic & CTE per POS/SOAR: A two-year course of study prepares students for a variety of employment opportunities throughout different trade areas. Course material covers rough and finish carpentry, blueprints and site layout, masonry, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and painting.

Articulation Agreements

Penn College NOW is a dual enrollment program which allows students to take college courses while in high school. The courses are taught at the high school or career and technology center by Penn College approved high school instructors. The courses follow the college syllabus and require college approved textbooks.

Industry Certifications Available Through Program

NCCER Certification – National Center for Construction Education and Research

OSHA 10 hour safety

Information can be obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov